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Sudan

Sudan

Summary

Do not travel to Northern, Southern or Western Darfur, the Abyei region, Northern or Southern Kordufan, Blue and White Nile states, Sennar state, or areas within 15 kilometres of the border with Eritrea and Ethiopia due to the possibility of armed conflict, threats of terrorist attack and kidnapping, and high levels of violent crime.

Do not travel within 50 kilometres of Sudan's border with Libya due to the heavy presence of armed militants, extremists and criminal networks smuggling goods and people.

There is a high threat of kidnapping throughout Darfur. Foreigners, including NGO workers and expatriates, are targeted. Kidnapping is also a threat in all other regions of Sudan, including rural areas and around state capitals. See Safety and security.

Violence can occur with little warning, particularly where there are demonstrations, protests or other large crowds. Avoid unrest and other crowds, including in Khartoum. Monitor media. See Safety and security.

If you are in Sudan, use effective personal security measures and have a contingency plan for departure. See Safety and security.

Landmines are in rural areas. Southern Kordofan and the Eastern States, including the border area with Eritrea, are most affected. See Local travel.

The security environment means the Australian Government can provide only limited consular assistance to Australians in Sudan. Where possible, the Australian Embassy in Cairo, Egypt, provides consular services to Australians in Sudan. See Where to get help.

Entry and exit

Visas

You'll need a visa to enter Sudan. Visas can take several months to be issued and are not automatically granted.

Visa and other entry and exit conditions (such as currency, customs and quarantine regulations) can change at short notice. Contact an Embassy of Sudan for up-to-date information.

Other formalities

If your passport has an Israeli visa or Israeli entry or exit stamps, you could be denied entry into Sudan, even if you have a valid Sudanese visa.

You may need a valid Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate to enter Sudan. Yellow fever is a serious and potentially fatal disease that is preventable by vaccination. It is endemic in Sudan. Some airlines require passengers to present a valid Yellow fever Vaccination Certificate before being allowed to board flights out of Sudan. Read Yellow fever for information on re-entry to Australia following exposure to yellow fever.

You'll need to register with the Aliens Registration Office, Ministry of the Interior (located west of the presidential palace), within three days of arriving in Khartoum.

Carry photo identification with you at all times in Sudan.

Under Sudanese law, women and their children, regardless of their nationality, can be prevented from departing Sudan if they don't have their father's consent. This can apply even if custodial rights have been granted to the mother by a Sudanese, Australian or other court.

Airport departure taxes apply.

Border crossings

The land borders between Sudan and many neighbouring countries are effectively closed.

The Wadi Halfa crossing by ferry through Lake Nasser between Egypt and Sudan is currently open but it can close without notice. Check with local authorities on the rules and regulations governing this crossing.

The status of land borders between Sudan and South Sudan changes regularly and with little notice.

Passport

Make sure your passport is valid for at least six months from the date you intend to return to Australia.

Your passport is a valuable document and attractive to criminals who may try to use your identity to commit crimes. Always keep it in a safe place.

Money

The currency of Sudan is the Sudanese Pound (SDG). Import and export of SDG is prohibited. Declare all foreign currency in excess of 10,000 Euros on arrival and departure.

US dollars are easily exchanged for SDG. Bills should be post-2006 series and completely unmarked. Some denominations of SDG banknotes have recently been reissued and old versions withdrawn from circulation. Confirm you receive valid banknotes when exchanging currency.

Expect to pay cash for all purchases, including hotel bills. Some major hotels will only accept payment from foreign travellers in hard currencies, such as US dollars. It is difficult to obtain US dollars once in Sudan.

Credit, debit and cash cards and travellers cheques are not accepted. ATMs that can access international funds are not available.

Safety and security

Terrorism

Terrorist attacks are indiscriminate and can target areas foreigners go. A terror attack could occur anywhere and at any time in Sudan.

Do not travel to Northern, Southern or Western Darfur, the Abyei region, Northern and Southern Kordufan, Blue and White Nile states, Sennar state, or areas within 15 kilometres of Sudan's borders with Eritrea and Ethiopia.

Civil unrest and political tension

Politically-motivated demonstrations, including anti-Western rallies, occur in Sudan. Violence can erupt with little warning. Weapons are widespread among the population and conflict can escalate quickly. Curfews can be imposed, with little or no warning.

Since April 2016, there have been several demonstrations throughout Sudan, including many that started in universities. Some demonstrations sparked violent clashes, resulting in deaths and injuries.

Historically, rising food prices and austerity measures have generated significant civil unrest in Khartoum, Omdurman and elsewhere. The lifting of fuel subsidies in September 2013 led to violent demonstrations across Sudan, including in Khartoum. In some cases, violent clashes led to the deaths of protesters and bystanders. Anti-protest laws resulted in the automatic sentencing and imprisonment of protesters for a minimum of five years.

The last major civil unrest occurred in 2013 but unrest could again erupt with little warning. Foreigners could be targeted in reaction to national and international events.

In December 2015, there were clashes on the border with Ethiopia, resulting in the closure of the Metema-Galabat border post. Further tensions resulting in crossing point closures along the Ethiopian border are possible. Continued tensions with Eritrea mean the border regions between these countries remains unstable. Conditions could deteriorate rapidly.

The border between Sudan and South Sudan is disputed in some places. Border areas are extremely dangerous. Fighting between rebel groups and government forces continues in Southern Kordofan and Blue Nile states. The Sudanese Defence Forces, including the Rapid Response Forces, respond to suspected rebel activity with force. Violent skirmishes involving local communities and armed groups continue in Abyei. The violence has resulted in the deaths of hundreds and the displacement of thousands of people. Civilians, including foreign workers, can be caught up in the violence. The security situation at the border has been made worse by violent conflict in South Sudan, which has generated steady flows of internally displaced persons and refugees into Sudan.

Darfur remains dangerous despite some progress in the peace process. There are violent and ongoing clashes among rebel groups and with the Sudanese Armed Forces. Conflict can escalate and the security situation can deteriorate quickly. Civilians, including foreign workers, are at risk from the prevailing lawlessness. You could be caught up in violence directed at others. Some armed movements in Darfur reject the peace process.

be ready to leave Sudan at short notice if there is a deterioration in the security environment.

seek and implement professional security advice if you travel to 'do not travel' areas despite our advice.

Crime

There are high levels of kidnapping and other violent crime in Darfur. Foreigners, including US, German, South African, Russian and Jordanian citizens, have been kidnapped. Aid workers and expatriates are commonly targeted. Some victims have been held captive for more than 100 days. People have been kidnapped in rural areas and in and around Darfur's state capitals and towns, including Nyala, Kutum and Zalingei. Banditry, carjacking, murder, sexual assault and looting are also dangers in Darfur. Westerners, including employees of aid organisations, journalists and other foreign workers, are often targeted. Some international organisations have withdrawn staff from Darfur.

There is also a risk of kidnapping in all other parts of Sudan. Foreigners, including NGO workers, are targeted.

The Australian Government's longstanding policy is that it does not make payments or concessions to kidnappers.

Outside of Darfur, you are less likely to encounter violent crime. There is a low incidence of crime but crime rates are rising in Khartoum. Incidents of bag snatching (including drive-by bag snatching by thieves on motorbikes) and petty theft occur. People trafficking groups operate in Sudan, largely in the south and east of the country along the border with Eritrea and Ethiopia and in some northern states.

Local travel

Landmines

Landmines and unexploded ordnance are a danger outside of Khartoum, particularly in the Eastern States and Southern Kordofan. Only use main roads and paths labelled as cleared by a competent de-mining authority.

Travel outside Khartoum

You'll need a permit for all travel outside Khartoum. Travellers without permits have been arrested and detained.

Apply to the Ministry of Tourism for travel permits to visit the north of the country. Apply to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Travel for travel permits to visit the 'do not travel' areas in the south. You may experience delays or have your application refused.

You must register with local police authorities within 24 hours of arrival anywhere outside Khartoum.

Road travel

Driving in Sudan is dangerous. You are 4.5 times more likely to be killed in a motor vehicle accident in Sudan than in Australia. Hazards include poorly maintained roads and vehicles, dust storms and lack of street lighting.

Roads in Khartoum are of a better quality than the rest of the country but high driving speeds contribute to serious accidents. Crowds can gather quickly following accidents and can become violent.

Driver's licence

You can drive in Sudan with a valid Australian driver's licence and an International Driving Permit (IDP). You must obtain your IDP before departing Australia.

Motorcycles

Check with your travel insurer whether your policy covers you when using a motorcycle, quad bike or similar vehicle. Your policy may not cover you for accidents that occur while using these vehicles. Wear, and ensure your passenger wears, a correctly fastened and approved helmet.

Taxis

Only use registered taxis and limousines, preferably those arranged through your hotel. Take care when travelling alone at night.

Public transport

Avoid using public transport as safety and maintenance standards are poor.

Boat travel

Piracy occurs in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. All forms of shipping are attractive targets for pirates, including commercial vessels, pleasure crafts and luxury cruise liners. The International Maritime Bureau (IMB) publishes piracy reports.

Air travel

All Sudanese registered airlines are banned from operating in European airspace.

There have been instances of hijacking in the past.

The Australian Government does not provide information on the safety of individual commercial airlines or flight paths. Check the Aviation Safety Network website for information on aviation safety in Sudan.

Laws

You're subject to all local laws and penalties, including those that appear harsh by Australian standards. Research local laws before travelling, especially for an extended stay.

If you're arrested or jailed, the Australian Government will do what it can to help you under our Consular Services Charter. But we can't get you out of trouble or out of jail.

Drug laws

Penalties for possession, use or trafficking of illegal drugs are severe in Sudan. More information: Drugs

Other laws

Islamic Sharia Law is used in Sudan.

Seek professional advice if you might engage in activities that involved local legal matters, particularly with regard to family law (divorce, child custody and child support). Be aware of your rights and responsibilities.

Serious crime, such as murder, may attract the death penalty. Some offences may attract corporal punishment (lashes).

Dual nationals

Dual citizenship is legally recognised in Sudan. But local authorities have the right to determine, on a case-by-case basis, whether they consider you Sudanese or Australian. In practice, Sudanese citizenship has primacy over other citizenships and dual Australian-Sudanese nationals are treated as Sudanese citizens. This may affect our ability to provide you with consular services. More information: Dual nationals

Local customs

There are strong Islamic codes of dress and behaviour in Sudan.

Take care not to offend.

If you're female, wear a headscarf and loose-fitting clothing which covers the arms and legs.

If in doubt, seek local advice.

The Islamic holy month of Ramadan is expected to occur between early-May and early-June 2019. During Ramadan, take extra care to respect religious and cultural sensitivities, rules and customs. In particular, avoid eating, drinking and smoking in public and in the presence of people who are fasting. More information: Ramadan

Health

Travel insurance

Take out comprehensive travel insurance before you depart to cover overseas medical costs, including medical evacuation. Make sure your policy includes adequate coverage for any pre-existing conditions.

You're likely to require a specialised insurance policy for travel to 'do not travel' destinations. Some Australian insurance policies may not cover you for travel to 'do not travel' destinations.

Remember, regardless of how healthy and fit you are, if you can't afford travel insurance, you can't afford to travel. The Australian Government will not pay for your medical expenses overseas or medical evacuation costs. This can be very expensive and cost you many thousands of dollars upfront.

Confirm:

what circumstances and activities are and are not covered under your policy

Medication

Not all medications available over the counter or by prescription in Australia are available in other countries. Some may be illegal or a controlled substance, even if prescribed by an Australian doctor.

Before you leave Australia, check if your medication is legal in each country you're travelling to and find out if any quantity restrictions or certification requirements apply. Consult your doctor about alternatives well in advance of travel

Take enough legal prescription medicine with you to last for the duration of your stay so you remain in good health. Carry copies of your prescription and a dated letter from your doctor stating what the medicine is, how much you'll take and that it's for personal use only.

Health risks

Insect-borne diseases

Yellow fever is endemic and malaria is a risk throughout the year in all parts of Sudan. Other insect-borne diseases (including dengue fever, Zika virus, filariasis, leishmaniasis, river blindness and African sleeping sickness) also occur.

HIV/AIDS

HIV/AIDS is prevalent. Exercise appropriate precautions if engaging in activities that expose you to risk of infection. If you are exposed to a risk of infection, including as a victim of rape or other violent crime, seek immediate medical assistance outside of Sudan.